Mayor Ronald W. Jones Jr. is now calling for the Beachwood Sewerage Authority to be abolished, following his recent proposal to combine the borough jobs of administrator and municipal clerk.

”By having a Sewerage Authority that serves no purpose whatsoever, it’s more important to the community (to offer) the public one-stop shopping where they can pay their bills in one location,“ said Jones, a Democrat who would like to allow Beachwood residents to pay their water and sewer bills at Borough Hall, in addition to other taxes and service fees.

Jones said he feels the borough’s sewer system is ”generally built out“ and the ”citizens of Beachwood will save money due to reductions in expenditures, increased efficiency and the transfer of approximately $1 million of the authority’s surplus to the borough“

Walter Bud“ Erickson, chairman of the Sewerage Authority for three years and a member for more than 20, said the authority helps maintain the borough’s water lines and pumping stations.

‘We serve the borough and operate a facility that’s second to none and we do it as frugally as we can,“ said Erickson, who was aware of the plan through the mayor’s 14-point campaign platform, but added Jones has not discussed anything with the authority.

”I’d love to sit down and talk to him,“ Erickson said. ”We have the facilities, the expertise, and it doesn’t interfere with the borough’s operation at all.“

Erickson pointed out that the Sewerage Authority has more than $2 million in debt and the borough can not receive as much surplus as It is planning.

Jones said any debt would be transferred to the municipality which would continue to pay off the bonds.

He said he hopes to move the two Sewerage Authority employees to other positions in the borough. In addition, Jones is proposing to make improvements to the building to allow the First Aid Squad to move Into the Sewerage Authority building, abandoning his previous proposal to construct a new first aid building on the squad’s site at Beachwood Boulevard and Capstan Avenue. Jones said the borough could then sell that property.

Jones contends the authority, which is more than 20 years old, has about 500,000 in surplus funds for emergencies and about $500,000 for operations costs. The mayor also said the authority’s commissioners receive about $1,500 each per year.

Council President Gregory Feeney, a Republican, said the council had not been informed of the proposal and added that the mayor needs to have a more open dialogue with the council members instead of ”throwing around hypothetical’s“ in news releases.

”This isn’t in the best interest of the borough,“ Feeney said. ”Making statements about financial matters is irresponsible until the facts are known. Every day and week that goes by, (the council) Looks at efficiencies and costs. The governing body has and will continue to act in a cost-effective manner.“

Feeney also pointed out the borough does not own the land where the first aid building resides, and if the borough abolishes the Sewerage Authority, We don’t just get the surplus; we get the debt, too“

(Jones) should talk to the governing body instead of issuing press releases, Feeney said. ”He should join us in the progress we’re making, and don’t make empty promises to the hardworking taxpayers.“

Jones said he would like to speak with the League of Municipalities and find other communities who have removed their sewerage authorities and see how it works. After that, I’ll ask the council to do a feasibility study,’ he said.

Jones said he will only continue with the proposal ”if the conclusion offers cost effectiveness, benefits the citizens, complies with regulatory mandates and verifies the borough can deliver excellent service.“ He also said he is confident that the plan will work.